Experts find link between the flu and heart attacks

If you're on the fence about getting a flu shot, get this: the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who had the flu were six times more likely to have a heart attack one week after they were hospitalized for the flu.

Author:
Sonia Gutierrez

Published:
5:20 PM MST January 30, 2018

A new study suggests the risk of a heart attack dramatically increases for people who are suffering from influenza.

In Colorado, the Department of Public Heath & Environment says more than 2,000 people have been hospitalized because of the flu since October.

If that's not a good enough reason to get the flu shot, get this: the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who had the flu were six times more likely to have a heart attack one week after they were hospitalized for the flu.

Experts aren't very sure what the link is, but Dr. Comilla Sasson offers this thought.

"Maybe it's an inflammatory response that the body has that now can lead potentially to this heart attack and that strain on the heart but no one's really quite sure."

She says now is the time to pay extra attention to symptoms you may not have noticed before.

"Having chest pain that could go to your jaw or shoulder, they can get a little nauseated, sometimes even belly pain," Dr. Sasson said.

Women are notorious for not having classic symptoms like chest pain, but they may feel a little dizzy, light headed, or just feel off.

"Just really reinforces how important it is to get the flu shot for sure," Dr. Sasson said.

She knows some folks might be driven away from getting the shot because of questions over how effective it is.

"Initially, in the early part of the season, we thought the flu shot was only about 10 percent effective. We know now it's up to 30 percent," she said, "which is better so that's good."

If one shot will help you avoid the flu and in turn other possible risks, Dr. Sasson says, it's worth it.